When we share a meal with friends, it is so much more than food (really?)…and, when we share it with girlfriends, and for purposes of this post, like the Swirl Girls, then it is really priceless. Some of us have known each other for years while others, are getting to know each other very fast. Here we were trying to figure out which table would be the best one. Right after Memorial week-end we had the place to ourselves since we arrived early. We did not want a big table. We like to be cozy in order to get that conversation going. The group had just gone to watch the Book Club, if you get my drift.

The majority of us had not yet dined at Our Harvest. This restaurant located at 1106 Coastal Hwy., Fenwick Island, DE 19944, opened last year. Every day, at 5:00 p.m., you can come in and experience a way of eating that has become so popular in the U. S. Telephone is 302-581-0377. No reservations are accepted. The website is http://www.ourharvestde.com.

As the season progresses please have in mind when you would like to eat. You have to have a plan because it gets crowded at the Delaware Beaches. If you arrive and there is a wait, you could have cocktails, relaxing in their bar or in any of the very comfortable leather sofas.

There is an open concept kitchen. You really can see how the kitchen is running. I have to tell you that I probably should have come to try Our Harvest last year. I love their sister restaurant, Liquid Assets, in Ocean City, MD, and I did not want to like this one more. Guess what? They are completely different.

The menu was presented and our server knew the menu well. She explained the concept of eating small plates and shareables. At that moment all we wanted was some wine. Having watched the Book Club, wine was very much consumed by the characters. It was time to relax. The wine that you see at the table was from South Africa. A full bodied Merlot called Immortal Hero.

At first you are a bit overwhelmed because you, actually, do not know how much to order for the table. And, we all have our likes and dislikes. We managed to do a good job and we were all very pleased with how the evening was progressing. Could not believe Jane Fonda looks that good at 81… I know, I know.

We all decided to have a small plate to start our dining experience. Every time I see the offering of a Grilled Caesar Salad, I order it. Years ago I had it at a restaurant in Hagerstown, Maryland. Since then, a few have gotten close at how good that one tasted so I wanted to see how this one would be, more so because it had Boquerones which are white anchovies. They are very mild and usually they are marinated in vinegar. It gives the salad a kick. I will have to say that this Caesar was excellent.

Others ordered the Salt Roasted Beets & Two Cheeses. Served on a wooden plank it had whipped ricotta, Stracciatella, local greens, black pepper and beet vinaigrette. Stracciatella cheese is produced from Italian buffalo milk in the southern Italian region of Apulia. They use a stretching and shredding technique. This particular small plate could have been shared by two people.

We ordered the Spring Harvest Flatbread. A crispy crust filled with local peas, ramps, morel mushrooms, local asparagus, ricotta, gruyere mornay, green garlic pesto and crispy capers. Ramps are a special type of wild onion, found in eastern Canada and U.S. And a Gruyere mornay is a bechamel sauce that has Gruyere cheese added to it. It was delicious but to tell you the truth we probably ordered too much. Not that we did not eat it, by the way.

“Friendship is a delicious meal to be shared off one large plate.” So, we decided to order our large plates. This particular dish I truly loved. It was called the Vegan Feast. It was a whole wood fire roasted head of cauliflower, benne cashew crumb, and a lemon garlic vegan aioli. At first we thought it was cheese but it was the benne cashew crumb. Cashews are lower in fat than other nuts. You can find online a lot of recipes for this vegan seed.

A very popular dish at Our Harvest is a whole Amish air chilled chicken…Arnold Palmer brine, (sweet tea and lemonade brine chicken, I believe), wood fired with lemon and rosemary. Liquid Assets has an amazing chicken, as well. Both chickens are completely different and delicious in more ways than one. We ordered TWO.

Needless to say, no need for dessert. We decided that definitely we would be back. Thanks to our server and also to the hostess that so graciously explained to me how the restaurant worked.

And so I end my post with this quote from John Lanchester….”Hospitality is central to the restaurant business, yet it’s a hard idea to define precisely. Most, it involves being nice to people and making them feel welcome. You notice it when it’s there, and you particularly notice it when it isn’t. A single significant lapse in this area can be your dominant impression of an entire meal.”

I have been on a roll….purging my closets, getting organized. Why do we accummulate so much stuff? It is true, that if you have not worn it or used it for a couple of years, then donate it to someone that can enjoy it. With that thought in mind and with the other thought that “someone’s trash is another person’s treasure”, I kept packing bag after bag. The Thrift Shop at Midway Shopping Center on Coastal Highway was not taking anymore clothing; only shoes, bags and other items. There is another one on the Forgotten Mile run by the Episcopal Church. Since then I have found out that there are plenty of other shops in the area. People have the same thoughts at this time of the year.

A few friends suggested I take some of my things to a consignment shop. That they do and enjoy getting that extra cash in their pockets. I started thinking about it and that is how I ended up calling Christine’s Consignments. This cute little shop is located at 200-A Rehoboth Ave., in Downtown Rehoboth Beach, DE. Tel. 302-226-1126. If you decide you would like to take some of your treasures that you no longer need to Christine’s, please give them a call so that you can make an appointment. At the time of the appointment you can bring your goodies so they can go through them. And please don’t take it personal if they don’t choose everything you brought that you thought was the best. Seasonal things is what they want and they want them to be in good shape and worthy of resale. If you keep that in mind you will do great.

Just like in any shop the clothing is divided in sections. There are new arrivals and also designer clothing racks.

This weekend in Downtown Rehoboth Beach are the much awaited and very well attended Sidewalk Sales. Hope you can make it. All weekend long, you will be able to get tremendous discounts, and find fabulous accessories. These sales start today, Friday, May 18th and continue through Sunday, May 20th, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. but some store hours may vary. Please check that out. It is going to be a rainy weekend but do not worry those sales are here to stay. Tax free shopping in Delaware!!

Christine’s Consignments has another location at 42 Atlantic Ave., in Ocean View, near Bethany Beach. That telephone is 302-829-1425.

If you are bringing some of your treasures to Christine’s Consignments once they have gone through the items you will be given a number. And you will also sign a very simple contract. You should give them time to sell your items. And, you can discuss with them what you would like to do if items are not sold. They do donate to the local charities things that are not sold.

Like any other shop, items come and go quickly. The inventory is always changing. So probably is not one of those shops that you would likely say “I have been there already”. Always something new at very good prices. You are spending time at the beach and let’s say you forgot your accessories, Christine’s Consignments would be perfect to grab that item that will finish your look.

I hope you have a great weekend. Good luck finding your treasures!! Give them a chance second time around!

March 21st, 2016

It has been a while since I have posted a recipe for Meatless Monday. This is a “global movement, created in 2003 by Sid Lerner in association with Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health”. It is a way to eat just one day a week free of meat….go vegetarian for just that one day will help in our overall health. For more information, and recipes, as well, please visit http://www.meatlessmonday.com.

I had a couple of good size eggplants and decided that today, being Monday, I would use them to make Eggplant Parm. I have made this dish so many times, and every time I either add something or delete something. I always make recipes my own. So should you, it is fun to experiment.

2 medium to large eggplants

3 eggs

Oil for frying

Italian Breadcrumbs (If manking it gluten free, please make sure you buy some of the many available breadcrumbs that are gluten free.)

Spaghetti Sauce (I tried Mia’s Kitchen Bistro Marinara from Safeway and it is all natural and gluten free, made in Sonoma, California.)

Mozzarella Cheese (I used the already shredded cheese, but you can shred your own if you are eating gluten free. Make sure to read the labels.

1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese. I grated it myself, which is great if you are eating gluten free. The packaged cheeses already grated might have an additive that contains gluten.

Basil

Pre heat oven to 350 degrees

Slightly grease a 9 x 13 baking dish.

Put about a cup of the spaghetti sauce and spread.

Cut the eggplant in round slices. I do not peel the eggplant. I think the skin looks great and it is where your vitamins are, as well.

In a shallow bowl cracked the eggs and mix. In a plate put the Italian breadcrumbs.

In a large frying pan put enough vegetable oil in order to fry the eggplant. It does not have to be too deep.

Dip the eggplants in the eggs and then dip in the Italian breadcrumbs.

Fry them until lightly brown. I usually get them out and let them sit on paper towels, but you can just transfer them directly to the prepared baking dish, as well.

Arrange them on the baking dish as you wish. You will be making two layers.

Spread spaghetti sauce on them and also half of the mozzarella. Repeat the process and at this point you will also sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top. Sprinkle some Basil for color too. Then to the oven.

Bake for about 45 minutes or so until they look like this…….

This dish has so much color….it should also be the center of attention on your plate. A green salad or green veggie is all you need.

For dessert, well, it is that time of the year when you just have to think that summer is around the corner but if you feel like living dangerously, well, go ahead and maybe go visit Edie Bees on Second Street in Lewes, Delaware, and grab something sweet and sinfully delish.

December 20th, 2015

I big shout to Doggies at The Beach for taking such good care of my little Diva, Miss Addy. Doggies at the beach is a 3,500 square foot indoor, cage free doggie day care. It is Miss Addy’s home away from home. While visiting Doggies at the Beach she met Santa. I know what her expression is telling me, but I am glad she went along with the program. Doggies at The Beach is located at 18806 J. Williams Hwy. in Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-644-8200. They have 24 hour human supervision and even web cams so that you can follow your precious pooch. Grooming is also available. They are on Facebook, as well. Check them out because they are always hosting events and very much involved in the community. Jim and his staff are very caring and obviously they love dogs!! Please visit http://www.doggiesatthebeach.com.

This would be a great stocking stuffer for your dog. Your pooch will love these Tail Bangers made with whole wheat flour, rolled oats, eggs, canola oil, fresh ground peanuts, honey, cinnamon, with a vanilla yogurt coating. Tail Bangers are made in Millsboro, Delaware, about 1/2 hour from Rehoboth Beach. The company has gone big, a success story. I have not visited but can’t wait to do so. You can find Tail Bangers at Doggies at The Beach, Candy Kitchen, Pet Stores in the area and even the UPS store at the Safeway Shopping Center. I took them as a gift to my friend’s dog, Dale, in Bluffton, South Carolina and they were a big hit. So, I decided to try them myself. They smell so good. I took a bite and they were not bad at all. After all they are made with all natural ingredients. Tail Bangers is located at 24546 Betts Pond Rd., Millsboro, DE 19956 You can find them on Facebook and Twitter. Website? www.tailbangers.com.

Another great stocking stuffer for those that love to cook and for your favorite foodies are these Sea Salts made right here on the coast by SoDel Concepts. There is the Bay Spice, the Summer Lemon Zest, and the Black Pepper Fennel. You can get these salts at any of SoDel Concepts Restaurants from Lewes to Fenwick Island. For the locations of the restaurants, please visit http://www.sodelconcepts.com.

Another perfect gift….a book, the perfect companion. Truddi Chase was from Maryland. Her story was made into a movie years ago, base on her first book When Rabbit Howls. The movie was called Voices Within: The Lives of Truddi Chase. It was an autobiography about her experiences after being diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder. Truddi was interviewed by Oprah. Her story is a fascinating one of survival after been sexually abuse from age two. She coped by developing 92 personalities. She never integrated them so she lived with them all of her life until she died in 2010. Her second book has just come out thanks to her daughter, Kari, who lives in Lewes. This second book is more whimsical. All art work is by Truddi and the different personalities. The name of the book is The Creature of Habit. You can get it at http://www.truddichase.com

“Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.” booker t. washington

With that quote I begin my post by reminding you that Delaware is a Small Wonder with a Big Heart. Fundraising events happen all year round, but it seems that as the Second Season takes hold of all of us living in Southern Delaware, we set records for fundraising. It is incredible the amount of money raised to help others.

I got an invite to a Kick Off Party for the Southern Delaware Wine, Food and Music Festival which will take place on Saturday, October 17th (noon until 4:30 p.m.) at Independence Hall located at 23767 Samuel Adams Circle in Millsboro, Delawared. Even though the address is Millsboro, it is, actually, closer to the beaches.

The Kick Off Party took place at (a)Muse on Baltimore Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach, on Thursday, 9/17. My friend, Susan DiMondi came with me to see what all the commotion was all about.

Let me tell you a little about What is Going On…

This event is being billed as the “ultimate wine, food and music event on DelMarVa”. It will be hosted by former Bad Company bassist, now food, wine and music aficionado, Paul Cullen. It will be a fun and refined afternoon of food, beer and wine samplings and pairings, cooking demos, and a great musical line-up.

This is a benefit for Rotary’s Global Polio Eradication Initiative and Lewes-Rehoboth Meals on Wheels.

This is an inaugural SoDelFest. The culinary Theater will host the chef showcases/demos, where you will find Neil Fuentes, The Singing Chef and Food Rewrapped Champion and 5 of our top local chefs including: Hari Cameron, Lion Gardner, Doug Ruley, Ronnie Burkle and Sean Correa.

You will be able to experience the Man Cave….don’t worry we are all welcome for cocktails, a raw bar and Cigars! Join Rob Bagle from Bramble & Brine and representatives from Wigle Whiskey, Dad’s Hat, Benromach Scotch, George’s Bloody Mary Mix (a new local favorite from Berline, Maryland) and 16 Mile Brewery. There may just be oyster shooters there!

30 wines will be offered by Teller Wines and the distributors for pairing and additional tastes. Dogfish Head and Mispillion Breweries will be pouring their fall favorites at the bar!

There will be 2 special wine education seminars in the Wine University; Mike Zygmonski (Level II Sommelier, Sodel Concepts) will present a blind tasting and John McDonald (Wine Columnist, Cape Gazette) will present Wine 101 for anyone who wants to learn about the art of Wine Tasting.

General Admission tickets are $75 and there is a VIP upgrade that includes two special tastings at 95+ point wines and exclusive cheeses and a seat on-stage during one of the chef showcases. The press is invited at no charge with advance notice. Please visit http://www.sodelfest.com

Arriving at (a)Muse Susan and I were invited to taste some of the wines offered by Sposato. For 6 years the Sposato Family researched, studied and visited South America. In 2012 the family purchased their farm in the heart of Argentina’s wine country, Mendoza.

Based on their 23 years of experience in working with land, soil irrigation and plants, by running their top rated landscape company, Sposato Landscape Co., they saw this as a great opportunity to further their experience in the agriculture industry. The farm was purchased as virgin ground. A new irrigation system, electric and other improvements have been installed with more to come.

The farm is 250 acreas located in the foothills of the Andes Mountains, 3,000 ft. above sea level. Sposato Family Vineyard has some of the best and most popular wineries in Argentina as neighbors. The farm is located between two notable wineries, Bodega Septima and Vina Cobos by Paul Hobbs with more just around the corner.

We tasted 2015 Chardonnay. This fruit focused Chardonnay has an attractive color with aromas of tropical fruit, apples and peaches. Also a 2015 Sauvignon Blanc, from their prize winning high elevation vineyards has aromas of grapefruit, passion fruit, herbs, species and orange blossom notes that are persistent through the finish. The 2013 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon has intense red with blue shades. Another one was their 2013 Reserve Malbec…intense violet color, typical of Argentine Malbec. And the 2014 Malbec had deep purple color, with high intensity of black fruits, raspberries and violets. Please note that you can get the wines in the Rehoboth Beach and Lewes area.

A presentation was given by all of those that are involved and making sure that this will be an unforgettable event.

Stacy LaMotta, Event Chair

Paul Culen, Host

Lion & Meghan Gardner, Blue Moon

Hari Cameron, (a)Amuse

Paul Cullen entertained us while we tasted delicious offerings by Blue Moon, Nage, and (a)Muse.

So what are you waiting for? Call your friends, pass the word, share in social media and get ready to have some fun!!

July 3rd, 2015

I like putting on the heading that Bethany Beach is The Quiet Resort. Maybe it was known to be that quiet many years ago, but no more!! This is a sought after coastal town in Southern Delaware….perfect for summer vacations, and to get away during the fall and winter.

Bethany was founded by members of the Christian Church; the Disciples of Christ. They came from Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania. It was not supposed to be a town. They wanted it to be a permanent yearly seaside assembly for the Christian churches of the country.

But quite a little town it is. Families have been coming for so many years, creating many summertime memories.

The Fourth of July is celebrated big time in Bethany Beach. This is the 32nd year. There is usually a theme to every Fourth of July celebration. This year’s theme is Let Freedom Ring.

Please note that on Friday, July 3rd, the Beach will be closed between Oakwood Street and Hollywood Street beginning at 5 p.m. in order to get ready for the Town’s 4th of July fireworks displays. Make sure to pick all your beach items in this area. The beach will re-open on Sunday, July 5th.

Fourth of July: Registration

You may register your floats and bikes the day of the parade from 9 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at the registration desks as follows: Floats-Route 1 and Central Avenue; Bikes-Christian Church grounds.

Fourth of July: Schedule

Noon…The parade will begin at the intersection of Pennsylvania and Garfield Parkway and take its traditional 2 mile route through the town. It will feature 5 marching bands and 6 entertainment groups on trucks with marching units.

After the parade, enjoy the following activities:

2 p.m. Try your skill at the horseshoe-throwing contest at the southwest corner of the Christian Church grounds.

7:15 p.m. Award Ceremony

7:30 p.m. The Vigilantes band performs popular dance music on the Bandstand. The 2015 Summer Concert Series continue all summer long. On Sunday, July 5th the entertainment will be The Reagan Years, and 80’s Tribute. All concerts begin at 7:30 unless otherwise noted. These concerts are popular and perfect for summer evenings at the beach. For more info., please visit http://www.townofbethanybeach.com. Click on Activities and scroll down to Bandstand.

Dusk: FIREWORKS!! No July 4th event would be complete without them!!!

Around 40,000 people attend the celebrations all day long with the culmination of the Fireworks. As you can imagine traffic and parking can be a hassle. Best deal in town are the Trolleys. They run continuously between 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. You can flag down the trolley anywhere along the route for pick-up or discharge, except on Rt. 26 and Rt. 1. No pick-up or drop-off on Jefferson Bridge or Rt. 26. The fare is $.25. The driver does not make change Please note that the trolley no longer stops at the Lake Bethany entrance or the South Coastal Library. For more information, please call 302-539-1996, or visit http://www.townofbethanybeach.com. Click on Services and scroll down to Trolley.

June 24th, 2015

Eating Gluten Free at the Delaware Beaches has been getting easier and easier as the years go by. Restaurants have decided that offering gluten free dishes is in their best interest. So many people are being diagnosed with celiac disease and the only treatment at the moment is to follow a gluten free lifestyle.

Having followed a gluten free regimen in my household for many years, I know how wonderful it is to find restaurants where you can completely feel at ease when ordering a meal. Not to be afraid of contamination. Hey, it does happen.

Don’t get me wrong, I think the restaurants at the Delaware Beaches are doing an amazing job in creating dishes for those that have to eat gluten free.

Last night, friends got together to try The Cafe on 26, located at 84 Atlantic Avenue (Rt. 26) in Ocean View, Delaware. Tel. 302-539-2233. Website? http://www.thecafeon26.com. Find it on Facebook and Twitter. This restaurant is 99% gluten free. Please mention that you have the allergy and they will tell you what Not to order. Probably just a couple of things, really.

Ocean View is located a couple of miles west of Bethany Beach.

We decided to try it yesterday. I was also giving Allyson some info. regarding my experiences eating gluten free. What to do? Hidden glutens, etc. etc.

What a pleasant surprise! First, Christie, our Server was so good. And funny too. We arrived super early. Yes, it was going to be an early dinner for all.

The Cafe on 26 has a full bar. They open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday: Lunch from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. and dinner from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. On Sunday they are only open for dinner from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m.

After a few drinks we ordered salads: Everything that we ordered was Gluten Free!! Note: Menu changes daily.

My Spinach Salad was delicious. I had them take out the Queso Fresco….not eating cheese at the moment. Baby spinach, bacon, mandarin oranges, red onion, almonds slivers and a bacon vinaigrette dressing.

Our entrees:

Stuffed Flounder…Fresh flaky flounder filet stuffed with all lump crab imperial and topped with their imperial sauce. Side dishes of mashed sweet potatoes and broccolini.

Their signature dish was the Potato-Romano Encrusted Salmon. Scottish Faroe Island Farm Raised Salmon, encrusted with potato, Romano and Parmesan Cheese, then topped with Lump Crab, and a dill and cream reduction. Side dishes of sauteed zucchini and squash and a Tabouli salad.

My Duck Breast was awesome. Tender and juicy. Pan seared then finished in the oven and complimented with a dried cherry port reduction. Side dishes of mashed sweet potatoes and grilled asparagus.

Another order of the Potato-Romano Encrusted Salmon, but with side dishes of sauteed green beans with carrots and toasted almonds and a Quinoa Salad.

For dessert an order of their Chocolate Cheesecake. Love chocolate? This is the one and Gluten Free!! Dense and rich just like a cheesecake should be.

May 15th, 2015

The gates are beginning to open…..Summer 2015 officially opens next week. Yikes….a new way of trying to figure out when to go here or there. Welcome to the Delaware Beaches!!

“The only real stumbling block is fear of failure. In cooking, you’ve got to have a what-the-hell-attitude.” julia child

Even though my recipes can, at any time, be begged, borrowed, or stolen….this recipe was given to me as a gift by my friend, Jody. It is totally delish and you can serve it by itself for any meatless day; with a salad for a complete veggie meal. Or, just let it sit by the side of beef, chicken or fish.

The main ingredient is a butternut squash. This fruit/vegetable is full of Vitamin C, A, & E. It is also a good source of manganese, magnesium and potassium.

Butternut squash can be roasted, toasted, pureed for soups, or mashed and used in casseroles, breads and muffins.

2 new sauces for this recipe, and they are easily found at Peppers on 176 Coastal Hwy. #1 in Lewes, Delaware. The Garlic Pepper Sauce made out of aged red peppers and garlic and the Peri Peri Pepper Sauce which is a blend of Moroccan flavors.

Chop the peeled butternut squash into circular disc pieces then cut in cubes from the discs. Lightly toss the pieces in olive oil or in coconut oil and a bit of salt. The smaller the pieces are, the faster they will roast in the oven.

Put on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake in batches for about 10 minutes. You want them tender but not mushy.

Heat the olive oil in a frying pan and saute onion. Add corn, hot sauces, salt, and cayenne to the onions and stir for a minute or so. Then add cranberries.

Add the roasted squash cubes to the mixture and stir for a few minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Then add the chopped cilantro.

This recipe has a very good combination of flavors….a little heat, the sweetness of cranberries, and cilantro. As usual, make it your own.